Thread: Stropping for Sharpness

I have come to the conclusion that if I strop my razor at an acute angle, about 45-50 degrees back and forth on the strop I will produce a better and sharper edge.

This method produces less deflection and the strop does not roll into the edge. Rather it runs more along-side the edge.

So, you angle the razor and flip it as you normally would.

Ill try to upload a picture for you.




With an angle as depicted above the razor is supported from deflection by the tip and the heel of the blade itself.



In this picture above, of a traditional angle, the strop has a tendency to sag lengthwise directly into my edge, an edge that I am trying to keep consistent. This angle causes dulling and leads to rolling.

Something to think about I suppose when you see all these 2.5 inch strops running around. I think this would benefit those with a 3 inch strop, but I'd like a few guys to try it and see what they think.

i won't recommend this technique for beginners because as you might imagine failing to roll the razor might damage your strop.

Anyway, my edges have improved. The strop does not naturally deflect as much and that deflection does not tear directly into the edge at 90 degree angle, it runs more parallel and now seems to sharpen the edge better.

I'm going to try and link a vid, forgive me the lack of apparent skill. I am holding the camera and stropping on a surface where I can't roll my fingers, but it looks like this:

can you explain what an x stroke on a strop is if it isnt this?

was always told to strop like this

With a normal x-stroke, the razor is horizontal across the strop, but at the start of the stroke the heel is in the centre of the strop and the toe is sticking out beyond the edge, and by the end of the stroke the toe is in the centre and the heel is sticking out over the other edge. ie, there is some horizontal movement of the razor in each stroke as well as vertical movement up or down the strop.

I'd never thought of stropping with an the blade at an angle like that. Interesting - will give it a go (if my dexterity allows...)

Originally Posted by shanky887614

can you explain what an x stroke on a strop is if it isnt this?

was always told to strop like this

Yes, as Matt explains the razor is at an 90 degree angle and the razor is moved down off the strop with each pass when using an x pattern. I think this method is better. It puts the entire edge on the strop at the same time and prevents deflection at the point where the razor is on the strop.

I've uploaded a video.

I noticed that you are pulling the razor toward the toe on the back stroke and pushing it toward the heel on the other stroke thereby changing the direction of the teeth on each side. Am I correct?

I have never tried this, but I like the theoretical basis for it, spreading the effect of the stropping more evenly and gently across the edge contact with the strop. It might require more laps, but I never shy away from stropping a lot anyway, so it's worth a try for me. Thanks!

Originally Posted by mackie

I noticed that you are pulling the razor toward the toe on the back stroke and pushing it toward the heel on the other stroke thereby changing the direction of the teeth on each side. Am I correct?

It is a traditional stroke, only angled. I think your description is accurate. I would prefer not to claim that I am opposing the "teeth" or striations, although I have noted that that might be a factor. For now I am only accepting the quality of he resultant edges.

I think I have already gone a little out on a limb trying to explain why I think the edges are better.

I'm betting if others agree they'd be smarter than me in figuring it out.

I will try it. Thanks. Mack

I actually do this for my Jos. Rodgers. Its the only way I have found to strop it effectively. I don't use 45 deg. though. I think mine is closer to 30 deg. or less.

Because I had to start doing this with my Jos. Rodgers I have found myself subconsciously starting to do this with my others as well from time to time.